Jurnal Media Akademik (JMA)
Vol. 4 No. 4 (2026): JURNAL MEDIA AKADEMIK Edisi April

SEMANTIC AND CROSS-CULTURAL SHIFTS IN TRANSLATING THE INDONESIAN FILM TITLE ABADI NAN JAYA INTO THE ELIXIR

Debora Afriyanti Siadari (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Apr 2026

Abstract

Film title translation involves not only linguistic transfer but also cultural negotiation shaped by differing communication styles and audience expectations. This study examines the semantic and cross-cultural shifts that occur in the translation of the Indonesian film title Abadi Nan Jaya into its English version, The Elixir. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the research analyzes the lexical components of both titles through dictionary definitions, etymological references, and cross-cultural communication theories, particularly Hall’s high- and low-context framework and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. The findings reveal a substantial shift from an abstract, morally embedded expression rooted in Indonesian collectivist and high-context culture to a concrete, object-oriented concept aligned with the explicit communication preferences of low-context, individualist audiences. While Abadi Nan Jaya conveys notions of collective resilience, moral continuity, and spiritual triumph, The Elixir foregrounds a tangible narrative element that ensures immediate clarity and international accessibility. This transformation demonstrates how translation strategies may simplify or redirect culturally embedded meanings to meet global market expectations. The study highlights that film title translation functions as a process of cultural mediation, balancing the preservation of local identity with the demands of global comprehensibility and marketability.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jma

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences Other

Description

Jurnal Media Akademik (JMA) merupakan platform publikasi jurnal atau hasil karya suatu penelitian orisinil atau tinjauan pustaka yang ditulis oleh dosen, mahasiswa maupun masyarakat umum. Ruang lingkup karya yang diterbitkan mencakup Multidisiplin diantaranya: Hukum, Manajemen, Ekonomi, Ekonomi ...